Review - - A Simple Scandal

A Simple Scandal

by Janna MacGregor

Millionaires of Mayfair - Book 3

Publisher: Janna MacGregor

Release Date: February 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

When Lady Grace Webster vows to avoid scandal, she doesn’t account for the irresistible Dane Ardeerton, the Duke of Pelham, when she agrees to help him find his perfect duchess. Scandal is just another word for evening entertainment in Mayfair, and no one stirs up excitement quite like the Duke of Pelham and Lady Grace Webster. In "A Simple Scandal," whispers turn into shouts when these two join forces—or rather, lock horns—in a battle of wits, wills, and romantic whispers. Amidst a backdrop of glittering balls and clandestine meetings, will their hearts comply with society's rules, or will they write their own scandalous chapter? Can the handsome duke teach the steadfast Lady Grace that sometimes, a little scandal is exactly what the heart needs? Join them for a romp through Regency London, where the only thing more sparkling than the wit is the wine!

PJ's Thoughts:

It's always fun when the tables are turned and an overly-protective older brother finds his own heart on the line. I've been eagerly waiting for Janna MacGregor's Duke of Pelham's story and am happy to say it did not disappoint. Childhood sweethearts-to-enemies-to lovers-to-happily-ever-after for the win!

I loved the chemistry between Grace and Dane (Pelham) but also the conflict. There's a lot of emotional baggage to work through between these two, not only within their own relationship but due to outside forces as well. I loved Grace's strength and determination but also her vulnerability. Dane, for all his posturing, is just a big softie when it comes to his family. I loved the two of them together even though it takes a bit of time for them to get out of their own way and realize they're fine on their own but even better together. 

Family is also at the heart of this story, in both good and bad ways. MacGregor does a fine job of weaving them into Dane and Grace's romantic journey, including humorous meddling on the part of Dane's sisters and their husbands as well as layering the emotional aspects of Grace's evolution due to the actions of her family. 

This is the third book of a trilogy but stands well on its own. However, I enthusiastically recommend all three books. 

Review - - A Simple Marriage

A Simple Marriage

by Janna MacGregor

Publisher: Janna MacGregor

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

In the high-stakes game of Regency London’s marriage mart, Lady Pippa Ardeerton rolls the dice with a plan more audacious than wearing last season's gown: snagging a husband to bankroll her dream dress shop. Dispatching marriage proposals like invitations to a ball, Pippa aims for a match made in mercantile heaven, where love is optional, but silk is mandatory. Enter Lord Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, her brother’s dashing best friend, who accidentally intercepts her matrimonial missives. Hugh, whose commitment to bachelorhood is as firm as his abs, finds himself entangled in Pippa’s quest for a Mr. Right Now, all while dodging his great-aunt's threats of disinheritance.

As Hugh dons the unlikely hat of Cupid, he discovers that Pippa’s kisses are more thrilling than any high society scandal. Suddenly, London's most eligible bachelor is questioning his resistance to matrimony, especially when the bride in question is as enticing as Pippa. With time ticking faster than the latest gossip, Pippa and Hugh must decide if their accidental alliance can turn into a love for the ages or if they’re destined to shop alone forever.

Will their hearts find a common thread, or will Pippa's dream shop end up as just another unfinished project? In this comedy of manners (and manors), finding love is the ultimate bargain.

PJ's Thoughts:

I said it with book one in this series and I'll say it again with this second entry. These are my favorite books that Janna MacGregor has written. The storytelling, character development, swoony romance, and family dynamics are superb. The flow of the story never wavers while slowly building the central romance to its heartfelt, sigh-worthy conclusion. And the balance of humor, heart, and spice is exactly what I look for. 

The main couple captured my heart (both of them) while the secondary cast added richness and texture with humor, conflict, and heart-tugging emotion. I especially enjoyed the layers added to Hugh's character because of his experiences with his mother's grief. It gave him depth and emotional obstacles to overcome. His great-aunt, on the other hand, was an absolute delight, offering up humor as well as challenges of another kind. 

Pippa, meanwhile, had her own emotional baggage to offload which, in addition to her unexpected - but determined - career aspirations, gave her character a wonderful depth. My heart ached for what she had experienced at the hands of her parents as a child. I understood why she chose the path she did at the beginning of the book but that also made her evolution throughout the journey all the more satisfying. I appreciated the solid foundation of friendship that formed between Hugh and Pippa before pesky emotions - and desire - found their way into their relationship. And, of course, I loved how poor Pelham responded when yet another of his beloved sisters fell for yet another of his best friends. I cannot wait to discover what MacGregor has in store for the beleaguered Duke of Pelham in his book!

This one has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review - - A Simple Seduction

A Simple Seduction

by Janna MacGregor

Millionaires of Mayfair - Book 1

Publisher: Janna MacGregor

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

He promised her one night…now, he wants forever.

When Lady Honoria Ardeerton, the sister of the Duke of Pelham, sneaks into her brother’s masquerade and meets the irresistible Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, her intentions are crystal clear: one night of pleasure with no names. But their fiery passion spirals into a situation that intertwines their destinies when they’re compromised, leaving Honoria's carefully spun web of secrets on the brink of unraveling. As hidden longings and scandalous truths threaten to consume them, Honoria grapples with a revelation that could shatter them both. At the same time, Marcus is undeterred in his quest to claim Honoria’s heart.

When Honoria’s path leads her to feign love for another to safeguard Marcus and her family’s honor, the stakes become insurmountably high. Will Honoria’s secret doom Marcus’s love or will the bonds of the heart prove unbreakable?

PJ's Thoughts:

Marcus is my new book boyfriend. I'm a total goner for a redeemed rake and he is such a good one. Sure, he was wild in his youth but there were reasons. Good ones. He's all grown up now, focused on his future, and committed to his very worthy charity, one that he doesn't just throw money at but in which he fully participates. Plus, he's sexy and sensual and...and...  Well, it wouldn't be fun if he was all good guy, right? ;-) 

My heart ached for all that Honoria had endured at the hands of those who were supposed to love and protect her. I could feel her pain and anguish but also her determination to claim one night for herself. I wanted to cheer her on and wrap her in a warm hug at the same time. I wanted to encourage her to be honest with her siblings and with Marcus (she is, eventually) but understood her need to keep certain things to herself and handle them on her own terms. It's her way to put the happiness of those she loves before her own.  

MacGregor did a superb job of developing both Marcus and Honoria in this book to the point where they felt like real people in whose happiness I was fully invested. They are so good together. I loved the steam, the caring, the quiet joy, and the laughter between them. I loved that they genuinely liked one another and shared common values. They may not have been what each was looking for (her brother's best friend was not in her plans - or her protective brother's - and someone with a secret scandal that could deep-six Marcus's charity was not in his) but the heart wants what the heart wants. My heart cheered over the choices Marcus made that proved her love was not misplaced. Book boyfriend material, indeed. 

The sibling dynamic in this book is wonderful, as is the dynamic among Pelham, Marcus, and the third member of their close friend group, Ravenscroft. I'm excited to discover the direction MacGregor has in mind for all of them, including Honoria's younger sister, Pippa. If you've been reading MacGregor, you've most likely already met the Duke of Pelham (Honoria's older brother), a secondary character from her The Widow Rules series. This book gives us more insight into this arrogant duke (who is perhaps hiding a marshmallow center?), introduces a lady who has him off balance (they have a past!), and has me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

It won't surprise me if The Millionaires of Mayfair series ends up being MacGregor's most popular yet (and my favorite). Her writing voice sparkles and her characters shine in the author's first self-published series. It's off to a wonderful start.